Wristwatch comprising a movable strap

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a wristwatch comprising:a watch case including a bezel, a crystal and a base plate, defining a volume arranged to accommodate a movement,a band through-mounted in the watch case, partially located inside said volume and mounted movably so as to slide in the bezel,the band comprises a first attachment portion linked to a first end of the band and a second attachment portion linked to a second end of the band,the first and second attachment portions are mounted movably relative to the bezel and located inside said volume, andthe band comprises a linking portion located in said volume, said linking portion being attached to the first attachment portion and to the second attachment portion.

The present invention generally relates to the field of watchmaking, more particularly the field of dressing watches.

Commonly, a watch case is connected to a bracelet by means of a bar, secured to one end of the bracelet, which engages in holes made in the lugs. These lugs are integral with the watch case and are generally attached to the case, at the level of the middle, or molded in one piece with the case, if the latter is made of plastic or a material allowing extrusion or machining from a block of material. There are a large number of horn arrangements, in pairs or central, allowing the attachment of the bracelet. For example, document EP0703512 describes a watch case provided with a middle part integrating two pairs of lugs situated on either side of the middle part.

The applicant had the idea of proposing a new concept of watch case, having a flexible outer casing. This concept is the subject of a patent application, filed on the same day as the present application, entitled “Deformable watch case” and the content of which is incorporated by reference into the present application. The production of such a watch case poses a problem in terms of the arrangement of the bracelet and its connection to the case. Indeed, the outer surface of the latter not defining a fixed frame of reference, and also not having a mechanical structure making it possible to withstand the mechanical stresses, in particular traction, that a bracelet can induce, a strap attachment on the box itself is unsuitable. Moreover, attaching horns to the rigid elements of the frame has the consequence of having connection points of the strap remote from the periphery of the case. This poses other problems, particularly in terms of ergonomics and comfort.

The present invention aims to provide a solution for connecting a bracelet to a watch case of a new kind. In addition, this solution can also be adapted to more conventional watch cases, that is to say with a rigid envelope; it then has qualities of comfort and adaptation that prior art watch cases do not have.

For this, a first aspect of the invention relates to a wristwatch comprising:

-   -   a watch case comprising a middle part, a crystal and a back,         defining a volume inside which a movement takes place,     -   a bracelet mounted through the watch case, partially disposed         inside said volume and mounted so as to slide in the middle         part.

Such a wristwatch can be adapted to different wrist shapes and to different ways of wearing a watch, for example by sliding the watch case along the wristband. It also makes it possible to gain in comfort by avoiding any contact between a protruding part of the watch case and the wrist of its user. Finally, such an assembly of the bracelet is particularly solid since it does not impose any attachment element such as external strips between the bracelet and the watch case.

The bracelet comprises a connecting portion located in said volume. The connecting portion may be different from a main portion of the strap adapted to go around a wrist and may facilitate the mounting of the watch case to the strap and/or the movement of the watch case relative to the strap. For example, the connecting portion may comprise abutment means and/or an enlargement or an extra thickness by relative to the main portion of the bracelet. This main portion can be of a single strand or of two strands.

Advantageously, the middle part comprises two passage slots arranged to allow the bracelet to slide and located on either side of the watch case, that is to say on either side of the middle part. These passage slots are preferably parallel to each other and/or perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the bracelet positioned flat.

Advantageously, the caseband comprises at least one abutment surface around each of said passage slots and the connecting portion comprises an extra thickness and/or an enlargement arranged to come into abutment against said abutment surfaces. Such an embodiment makes it possible to simply limit a movement of the watch case relative to the bracelet.

The bracelet comprises a first attachment portion connected to a first end of the bracelet and a second attachment portion connected to a second end of the bracelet, the first and the second attachment portion are movably mounted with reference to the middle part, the first and the second attachment portion are arranged inside said volume and the connection portion is fixed on the one hand to the first attachment portion and on the other hand to the second attachment portion.

Preferably, the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion differ from the connection portion and/or from a main portion of the bracelet, for example by a shape, a dimension or a material.

Advantageously, the caseband comprises at least one abutment surface around each of said passage slots and the first and the second attachment portion each comprise or define an extra thickness, a widening and/or a protrusion arranged to come into abutment against said abutment surfaces. The wristband can then comprise a main portion, two attachment portions and a connecting portion made up of one or more elements such as one or more arms. Such an embodiment makes it possible to simply limit a movement of the watch case relative to the bracelet.

Advantageously, the connecting portion is arranged to allow at least one degree of freedom between the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion. Preferably, the connecting portion allows two or three degrees of freedom. Thus, the first attachment portion can be movable relative to the second attachment portion, which can make it possible in particular to limit the forces or friction that can be applied to a protruding bone of the wrist and therefore to obtain a wristwatch having even more comfort and adaptability.

Advantageously, the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion are each mounted so as to be able to move in translation and in rotation with respect to the middle part. Such a watch allows comfortable wear thanks to adaptation to any type of wrist shape as well as to the movements of this wrist, due to the mobility of the first and of the second attachment portion. In particular, the friction and/or the forces of the horns on the wrist or on a bone of the wrist can be limited or eliminated.

Advantageously, the wristwatch according to the present invention comprises an axis passing through the first attachment portion and through the second attachment portion, the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion being arranged to be movable in translation at least along this axis. Preferably, the axis passes through a center of the first attachment portion and of the second attachment portion. This axis can be parallel or coincident with a longitudinal axis of the bracelet placed flat. For example, the first attachment portion and/or the second attachment portion can also be movable in translation along another axis perpendicular to this longitudinal axis.

Advantageously, the connecting portion is an element attached to the bracelet, preferably comprising at least one flexible and/or elastic arm. This attached connecting portion allows a wide choice of connecting portion suitable for any type of watch case. For example, the connecting portion can comprise a cable or a cable portion and/or a flexible or elastic arm. Such a connecting portion can allow greater freedom of movement of the first and second attachment portions with respect to the middle part and therefore adaptation to several wrist shapes.

Alternatively, the connecting portion is made in one piece with the bracelet, which makes it possible to provide a simpler and stronger bracelet. For example, the connecting portion can be manufactured with the bracelet by molding or overmolding, Finally, the connecting portion of the bracelet can comprise one element, two or more elements, of the same shape or of different shape.

Advantageously, the first and the second attachment portion are elements attached to the bracelet. The connecting portion is then arranged to join or connect the first attachment portion to the second attachment portion. This embodiment thus leaves great flexibility in the choice of the bracelet and in particular of its material. A connection portion composed of two elements, the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion can form an eyelet defining an opening.

Alternatively, the strap, the first attachment portion, the second attachment portion and the connecting portion are made in one piece. The first attachment portion, the second attachment portion and a connecting portion composed of two elements that come in one piece can form an eyelet defining an opening, preferably arranged to be superimposed on the movement. Furthermore, the eyelet can define a widening arranged to come into abutment with the abutment surfaces.

Advantageously, the caseband is deformable or flexible. Thus, not only the assembly formed by the first and second attachment portions and the connecting portion can move relative to the middle part, but the middle part itself can deform in order to provide maximum comfort and adaptability to its wearer. The bracelet assembly system which, as mentioned above, does not attach to the case, does not limit or only slightly deforms the case. Fixing the bracelet on the middle part or on the case would in fact harm the flexibility of the deformations of the latter.

Advantageously, the watch case comprises a container arranged to contain the watch movement and in which the connecting portion is arranged between the container and the bottom. It should be noted that the volume defined by the middle part, the crystal and the back can be adapted to receive in particular the connecting portion and the movement without interference.

Advantageously, the container is arranged to be supported at least partially by the connecting portion, which can make it possible to further increase the comfort of the watch as well as its visibility.

Another unclaimed aspect of the present invention relates to a wristwatch comprising:

-   -   a watch case comprising a middle part, a crystal and a back,         defining a volume inside which a movement takes place,     -   a bracelet mounted through the watch case, partially disposed         inside said volume and mounted so as to slide in the middle         part.

In addition, such a wristwatch may include one or more additional features described above with reference to the first aspect of the invention.

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention given by way of non-limiting example and illustrated by the appended drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a simplified diagram of a wristwatch case according to a first embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 2 shows a simplified diagram of a wristwatch case according to a second embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 3 shows a simplified diagram of a wristwatch case according to a third embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 4 shows a three-quarter sectional view of a wristwatch according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention and comprising a watch case according to FIG. 2 ,

FIG. 5 shows a three-quarter sectional view along a front plane of a wristwatch according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 6 shows a sectional view along a sagittal plane of a wristwatch according to the fifth embodiment of FIG. 5 ,

FIG. 7 shows a side sectional view of a wristwatch according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

Although particularly suitable for a watch case provided with a flexible envelope, as mentioned above, the present invention can be adapted to a rigid watch case. As will be understood later, it makes it possible to house any type of mechanical, electromechanical or completely electronic movement by means of a container, but mounting via a casing circle can also be envisaged depending on the criteria seals which should be respected.

According to one aspect of the invention, the bracelet is movable and/or sliding relative to the watch case and comprises a connecting portion introduced through the watch case and a main portion arranged to go around the watch case. ‘a wrist. According to another aspect of the present invention, attachment portions of the bracelet can be movable and/or fixed by the connecting portion preserving their mobility at least with respect to the caseband of the watch case and/or one by relation to the other.

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a watch case 1 provided with a bracelet 30 passing through the watch case 1 and comprising attached attachment portions connected by a connecting portion and mounted mobile in relation to the middle part and the watch case.

The watch case 1 is shown in perspective with a cutaway so as to show the inside of the watch case 1. The watch case 1, also called box 1, comprises a middle part 2, closed by a glass and a bottom, not shown in FIG. 1 . The glass and the bottom are conventionally installed on opposite faces of the box 1, the glass being mounted on an upper face of the box 1 and the bottom being mounted on a lower face of the box 1.

In a volume defined by the caseband 2, the crystal and the back, is arranged a first attachment portion 10 comprising at least a first horn and for example two first horns 11 in FIG. 1 . In addition, a second attachment portion 20 and also disposed inside the volume and comprises at least a second horn and for example two second horns 21.

Each attachment portion 10, 20 is arranged to allow the attachment of one end of a bracelet 30. For example, a pin can be passed through each end of the bracelet and be engaged in the first horns or the second horns, as known to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, any other type of strap attachment system 30 to the first attachment portion 10 and the second attachment portion 20 can be envisaged. The caseband 2 may comprise passage slots opposite to each other and arranged to allow the ends of the bracelet 30 to be introduced inside the caseband 2, that is to say inside the volume.

The first attachment portion 10 and the second attachment portion 20 are mounted movably inside the volume, that is to say they can move relative to the middle part 2 at least according to a degree of freedom. For example, the bracelet defines an axis A passing through the first and second attachment portions or through the first and second lugs (along the axis y in FIG. 1 ) and the first attachment portion 10 and/or the second attachment portion 20 can move at least along this axis A, for example according to a translation movement.

Preferentially, the attachment portions 10, 20 may have other degrees of freedom with respect to the middle part 2, for example moving in height (along the z axis of FIG. 1 ) and/or laterally (along the x axis of FIG. 1 ). In addition, the attachment portions 10, 20 can be rotatable according to a pivot point B with respect to the box 1 as well as with respect to each other.

The first attachment portion 10 and the second attachment portion 20 are connected to each other by an attached connecting portion and preferably by a connecting portion comprising two elements in the embodiment of the FIG. 1 , The connecting portion 40 of FIG. 1 comprises two flexible arms, for example cable or chain portions. The connecting portion 40, the first attachment portion 10 and the second attachment portion define an opening 35, which can accommodate a watch movement (not shown).

The elements of the connecting portion are made of any suitable material, for example titanium and in particular grade 5 titanium, which can make it possible to limit the elongation of the assembly when applies a tensile force to the bracelet 30, so as not to damage the case 1 and the middle part 2, in particular in the case of a watch case whose outer envelope is flexible.

Alternatively or in combination, the elements of the connecting portion can be elastic, that is to say they can be made of an elastic material or comprise an elastic portion, such as a spring (not shown). The element(s) of the connecting portion 40 can be fixed permanently or in a removable manner to each of the first and of the second attachment portion 10, 20, for example by means of loops or else anchorings in the body of the first and of the second attachment portion 10, 20.

Due to the connecting portion 40 of the bracelet 30, the first attachment portion 10 and the second attachment portion 20 are articulated to each other, that is to say that they are connected with at least one degree of freedom relative to each other. A movement of the first attachment portion 10 can therefore take place relative to the second attachment portion 20, but this movement will be limited by a characteristic of the connection portion 40, for example its length, its flexibility or even its elasticity.

Thus, movements of separation, pivoting or shift in height (along the z axis of FIG. 1 ) of the first and second attachment portions can be tolerated, but limited by the connecting portion 40, for example along lengths of a few millimeters to 1 cm.

The movements of the first and second attachment portions can also be limited by abutment portions. For example, if the caseband 2 is sufficiently rigid, its inner surface may comprise abutment portions arranged to limit a movement of the first attachment portion 10 and/or of the second attachment portion 20 towards the outside of the caseband 2. The stops portions can be arranged near or around the passage slots of the bracelet (not shown).

FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of the present invention, identical to the first embodiment according to FIG. 1 , with the difference that the connecting portion 40 comprises a single cable or flexible arm slidably mounted at each of the first attachment portion 10 and the second attachment portion 20. Thus, the relative movements of the first portion of the attachment 10 and the second attachment portion 20 can be easily limited, for example according to the length of the connection portion 40, while allowing movements according to several degrees of freedom. In addition, the connecting portion 40 surrounds or borders an opening 35.

Optionally, the connecting portion 40 can be fixed to the middle part or else to the back using one or more anchors 50 on which the connecting portion 40 can be slidably mounted. Alternatively or in combination, the anchor may be in the form of a retractor (not shown) making it possible to increase the length of the connecting portion 40 in the event of stress on the bracelet resulting in a movement of the first portion of attachment 10 and/or of the second attachment portion 20 towards the outside of the middle part 2. The winder may comprise return means making it possible to decrease the length of the connection portion 40 when the stress has ceased. Such a connecting portion can be used with a bracelet in the form of a single loop, that is to say having a single strand.

FIG. 3 shows a third embodiment identical to the two previous embodiments with the exception of the connecting portion 40 which here is a rigid arm. For example, the connection portion 40 can be formed from a single rigid segment that can be attached to the first and second attachment portions by mechanical connections of the pivot or ball joint type. In FIG. 3 , the connecting portion 40 is represented with two rigid segments 41 and 42 of different lengths connected by a pivot or a ball joint 43. Alternatively, the rigid segments could be of the same length and/or more than two segments an be envisaged, such as three or more rigid segments.

In addition, the rigid arm can be telescopic, that is to say made of two segments sliding one inside the other, or can comprise two segments articulated to one another, of which at least one and preferably both are telescopic. The rigid arm or the segments of the connecting portion can have a flat and preferably thin section, so as to reduce the bulk within the middle part 2.

FIG. 4 shows a sectional and elevational view of a fourth embodiment of the box 1 according to the present invention, as well as a watch 100.

The watch 100 comprises the box 1 according to the first embodiment, comprising the caseband 2, a crystal 3 and a back 4 as well as a container 60 containing a watch movement. This fourth embodiment relates to a watch case comprising a flexible envelope, as mentioned previously. The caseband 2 comprises or is made of a flexible outer all 2A, that is to say deformable. Thus, the wristband can match the shape of the user's wrist in order to maximize comfort.

For example, the wall 2A can be made of a network of articulated elements such as a mesh fabric, preferably metallic, or a set of meshes whose more or less dense interlacing forms a mesh, a lattice, or a reticle. Alternatively, the wall 2A can be made of a flexible material such as an elastomer. Preferably, the bottom can remain rigid.

This flexible wall 2A can make it possible to contribute to the comfort and adaptability given by the attachment portions 10, 20 connected by the connection portion 40, for example according to the first embodiment of FIG. 1 , adapting to any shape of wrist and allowing original case shapes and builds.

The watch 100 may include a bracelet 30 attached to the box 1 via the attachment portions 10, 20 and introduced into the watch case 1 by slots 2B. The strap 30 can be made of leather or any other suitable material, and can include an opening via a pin buckle or a folding clasp. In one embodiment, the bracelet can be made with a network of articulated elements similar to that of the wall 2A. Alternatively or in combination, the bracelet can be made of a single strand of elastic material and not include an opening.

It should be noted that the watch 100 with the bracelet 30 can be adapted to all the embodiments of the box 1 described in this description.

In addition, the element or elements of the connecting portion 40 are positioned between the container 60 and the bottom 2, but the container 60 can be supported at least partially by the connecting portion. For example, an outer surface of the container 60 or of a structure supporting the container 60 can be arranged to rest against the connecting portion 40.

The container 60 may include the anchors 50 described above or the connecting portion may be introduced into a structure supporting the container 60, for example in a sliding manner. The support of the container 60 by the connecting portion 40 can allow a movement of the container 60 according to the movements of the first and second attachment portions 10, 20, that is to say according to the movements of the wrist.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show a sectional view and elevation of a fifth embodiment of the watch 100 according to the present invention. In this fifth embodiment, the watch case 1 is equivalent or similar to the watch case 1 of the previous embodiments.

In this fifth embodiment, the bracelet 30 is made in one piece, that is to say that a first attachment portion 10, a second attachment portion 20 and a connecting portion 40 composed of two arms are formed of a single element, that is to say integrally, with the bracelet 30. The bracelet 30 then defines a main portion 31 adapted to go around a wrist of a wearer and is typically made of a flexible material, leather, rubber or another polymer. The first attachment portion 10 and the second attachment portion 20 are thus widened portions of the bracelet 30 with respect to the main portion 31.

The bracelet 30 is movably mounted with reference to the box 1 and passes through the interior of the latter. The bracelet 30 thus comprises an eyelet defined by the first attachment portion 10, the second attachment portion 20 and the connecting portion 40 and defining an opening 35. This opening 35 is preferably superimposed substantially on the movement 60, in order to leave a passage, and/or clear a space allowing a support, rigid or elastic (not shown), to be placed between the bottom 4 and the movement 60.

The bracelet 30 can thus be manufactured in one piece, for example, by weaving, cutting, punching or molding, that is to say that the bracelet can come from a single element. Different materials can be used by overmoulding, in particular for the connecting portion and/or the attachment portions.

The bracelet 30 can be introduced through the watch case by passage slots 2B made in the caseband 2, as described above (see FIG. 6 ). The inner wall portion of the middle part 2 located around the passage slots 2B can thus define abutments for said eyelet formed by the bracelet 30, in particular for the first attachment portion 10 and the second attachment portion 20 which are wider than the main portion 31. These stops then make it possible to limit the relative displacements between the strap 30 and the watch case 1.

In other words, a certain clearance exists between the first and second attachment portions 10, 20 and the middle portions facing them respectively, so as to allow relative movement of the watch case 1 with respect to the bracelet 30, for example a translational movement.

Other elements located inside the box can also serve as a stop, in particular the connecting portion 40 or the container 60. Alternatively or in combination, one or ore anchors (not shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 ) can also limit the relative movement of the watch case 1 with respect to the bracelet 30, for example by interference with the edges of the opening 35, the first and second attachment portions 10, 20 and/or the portion of link 40.

FIG. 7 shows a side sectional view of a sixth embodiment of the watch 100 according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the bracelet 30 is mounted through in the watch case 1 and is passed through the watch case 1 via slots not shown. The wristband 30 thus comprises a single main portion arranged to go around the wrist and does not comprise attachment portions or connecting portion. The bracelet 40 can be arranged in the interior volume of the watch case 1 between the movement 60 and the bottom 4.

Thus, the bracelet 30 according to the sixth embodiment can be simplified compared to the other embodiments and may not include a connecting portion and/or an attachment portion. The watch case 1 can be movable in translation relative to the bracelet 30 and/or can slide freely along the bracelet 30. Alternatively, the bracelet can comprise a connecting portion (not shown) arranged in the watch case and defining a abutment, a widening or an additional thickness so as to limit the movement of the watch case 1 along the bracelet 30.

Alternatively or in combination, the connecting portion may comprise a light (not shown) accommodating a finger fixed to the back 4, to the caseband 2 or movement 60, the finger coming into abutment on the ends of the light to limit the movement of the bracelet 30. Alternatively or in combination, the bracelet may include abutment portions on the outside of the watch case.

It will be understood that various modifications and/or improvements obvious to those skilled in the art can be made to the various embodiments of the invention described in the present description.

In particular, the above embodiments can be combined totally or partially. For example, a connecting portion can combine a cable with a rigid arm. The connecting portion can comprise one, two, three or four or more elements, attached or in one piece, of different lengths and/or of different shapes, which can allow different movements of the attachment portions.

The present invention is not limited to a first and a second attachment portion located inside the caseband 2, but may also include first and second attachment portions located completely or partially outside exterior of the middle 2.

The first and the second attachment portion are not limited to two horns, but can each comprise a single horn, three horns, four horns or even more. Finally, the middle part 2 can adopt any type of dice shaped like oval, square, rectangular, circular, triangular, with straight or rounded edges and with sharp angles or curves. 

1. A wristwatch comprising: a watch case including a bezel, a crystal and a base plate, defining a volume arranged to accommodate a movement, a band through-mounted in the watch case, partially located inside said volume and mounted movably so as to slide within the bezel, wherein the band comprises a first attachment portion linked to a first end of the band and a second attachment portion linked to a second end of the band, wherein the first and the second attachment portions are mounted movably relative to the bezel, the first and the second attachment portions are arranged inside said volume, and wherein the band comprises a linking portion located in said volume, said linking portion being attached, on the one hand, to the first attachment portion and on the other hand to the second attachment portion.
 2. The wristwatch according to claim 1, wherein the bezel comprises two pass-through slots arranged to allow sliding of the band and located on either side of the bezel.
 3. The wristwatch according to claim 2, wherein the bezel comprises at least one abutment surface around each of said pass-through slots and wherein the linking portion defines an excess thickness, an enlargement and/or a protrusion arranged to come into abutment against said abutment surfaces.
 4. The wristwatch according to claim 1, wherein the bezel comprises at least one abutment surface around each of said pass-through slots and wherein each of the first and the second attachment portions comprises an excess thickness, an enlargement and/or a protrusion arranged to come into abutment against said abutment surfaces.
 5. The wristwatch according to claim 1, wherein the linking portion is arranged to allow at least one degree of freedom between the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion.
 6. The wristwatch according to claim 1, wherein the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion are each mounted movably in translation and/or in rotation relative to the bezel.
 7. The wristwatch according to claim 1, also comprising an axis passing through the first attachment portion and through the second attachment portion, the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion being arranged to be movable in translation at least along this axis.
 8. The wristwatch according to claim 1, wherein the linking portion is an element attached to the band and preferably comprising at least one flexible and/or elastic arm.
 9. The wristwatch according to claim 1, wherein the linking portion is formed in a single part with the band.
 10. The wristwatch according to claim 1, wherein the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion are elements attached to the band.
 11. The wristwatch according to claim 1, wherein the band, the first attachment portion, the second attachment portion and the linking portion are formed in a single piece and form an eyelet defining an opening preferably arranged to be superimposed on the movement.
 12. The wristwatch according to claim 1, wherein the bezel is deformable.
 13. The wristwatch according to claim 1, comprising a container arranged to contain the watch movement and to be supported at least partially by the band or the linking portion. 